18 December 2023 · 2023-12 newsletter
On 25 November Sr Mary Louise gave a Reflection Day in preparation for Advent, with the emphasis on Mary.
The following will give you a little idea of the reflective thoughts which were presented by Sr. Mary Louise and Fr. Jack Elkazzi (Greystanes Parish).
Sr. Mary Louise reminded us that we have few words that were spoken by Mary and little is written about her in the Bible, but Luke’s Gospel does give a voice to Mary.
She is often considered to be so perfect, that people have difficulty identifying with her. Mary is linked to holiness and we as Baptised people are called to this same holiness. Mary saw discipleship as following and listening to Jesus. We are called to do the same.
Father Jack, in his homily, said that Mary was a woman of prayer and meditation. She knew what the prophets were speaking of about the coming of the Messiah. She was waiting for Him, as were all the people. That Mary knew the Scriptures is borne out in her response to Elizabeth when Mary went to meet her before the birth of John the Baptist.
Mary became the Ark of the Covenant, carrying Christ to the people. We are the Ark of the Covenant when we bear Christ in our lives and bring Him to others. We do this when we listen to the Word and receive Communion, as Christ is in both.
Father spoke of Mary as: the Daughter of the Father; the Mother of the Son; and the Bride of the Holy Spirit.
During Advent we are asked to:
- Get our sense of self in order.
- Accept God’s love – know Christ.
- Experience our brokenness.
- Trust in God’s coming. If we truly believe in the Resurrection, we would be more joyful.
- Advent is a time of joy and trust.
During the day there was time for quiet reflection and personal prayer. We were invited to join in saying the Rosary, Fr Jack was available for Reconciliation and we were able to attend Mass, the prayers of which came from the Mass of Mary, Cause of our Joy.
Following lunch Sr. Mary Louise gave a second session where we broke into groups and shared on the meaning of Joy, Hope and Prayer in Advent. We then shared our responses with the larger group.
Afterwards we decorated Advent candles which we were encouraged to take home as a reminder to reflect on what we had heard during the day and the meaning of Advent as it leads us to Christmas.
The day was a prayerful and joyful one and the energy of the group grew as the day progressed. We left eager to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming at Christmas and the second coming.
Therese Fuller
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